Method of gesture selection of displayed content on a language learning system

ABSTRACT

A language learning system is provided and includes multilingual content in both text and audio versions, a means for correlating the multilingual content with a translation of the text and audio version, and a computing device. The computing device includes a general user interface permitting a user to choose a specific subset of the multilingual content and a central processing unit to translate native language of the specific subset to a selected language translation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming the benefit ofthe filing dates under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/732,226, filed Jun. 5, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method of gesture selection and, moreparticularly, to a method of gesture selection of displayed content on ageneral user interface

BACKGROUND

Providing pedagogical assistance through technological devices forpeople seeking to learn foreign languages is an area of technology thathas been explored since computers developed sufficient multimediacapabilities to record and play a sound file which could be correlatedto text or images displayed on the screen. Until now these capabilitieshave been underused. Computerized linguistic learning software hasmainly been used to present traditional language-learning exercises in adigitized format, and has never fully harnessed the potential of thetechnology.

Now that mobile touchscreen computing devices are commonly availablethat contain speakers, microphones, and high definition visual displays,all of these can be leveraged to provide a more engaging method oflearning a foreign language; creating a pedagogical immersion systemthat enables a language learner to more quickly and easily acquireproficiency in a new language.

SUMMARY

A language learning system is provided and includes multilingual contentin both text and audio versions, a means for correlating themultilingual content with a translation of the text and audio version,and a computing device. The computing device includes a general userinterface permitting a user to choose a specific subset of themultilingual content and a central processing unit to translate nativelanguage of the specific subset to a selected language translation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference tothe accompanying Figures of which:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of hardware infrastructure for a languagelearning system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a connection device of the languagelearning system according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of a language display module and alanguage learning module of the language learning system according tothe invention showing a general user interface having a plurality ofsequential juxtaposed panels;

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a relational database for thelanguage learning system according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of a learning language managementapplication of the language learning module according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of a language listing module of thelearning language management application of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of a file browse module of thelearning language management application of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 is another graphical representation of the learning languagemanagement application of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 9 is another graphical representation of the learning languagemanagement of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 10 is another graphical representation of the learning languagemanagement of FIG. 5

FIG. 11 is a graphical representation of the language learning systemaccording to the invention showing a general user interface displayingdata from a language learning file;

FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of a language display module and alanguage learning module of the language learning system according tothe invention showing a general user interface having a plurality ofsequential juxtaposed panels;

FIG. 13 is a graphical representation of the language display module andthe language learning module of FIG. 12 showing a native languagedisplay section;

FIG. 14 is another graphical representation of the language displaymodule and the language learning module of FIG. 12 showing a secondarylanguage display section;

FIG. 15 is another graphical representation of the language displaymodule and the language learning module of FIG. 14 showing a translationwindow;

FIG. 16 is another graphical representation of the language displaymodule and the language learning module of FIG. 14 showing an audiowave-form analysis module;

FIG. 17 is a graphical representation of a gesture selection module forthe language learning system according to the invention;

FIG. 18 is another graphical representation of the gesture selectionmodule of FIG. 17 , showing initiation of a gesture initiation location;

FIG. 19 is another graphical representation of the gesture selectionmodule of FIG. 18 , showing a path of a continuous arc;

FIG. 20 is another graphical representation of the gesture selectionmodule of FIG. 19 , showing a completed path of the continuous arc;

FIG. 21 is another graphical representation of the gesture selectionmodule of FIG. 19 , showing an incomplete path of the continuous arc;

FIG. 22 is another graphical representation of the gesture selectionmodule of FIG. 21 , showing an apex of an inner arc area;

FIG. 23 is another graphical representation of the gesture selectionmodule of FIG. 22 , showing a connection line connecting the gestureinitiation location and a gesture end location of the incomplete path;

FIG. 24 is another graphical representation of the gesture selectionmodule of FIG. 20 , showing objects of interest with a selection area ofthe completed continuous arc; and

FIG. 25 is schematic flow chart of a method of gesture selection usingthe gesture selection module according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference toan embodiment including the attached figures.

A language learning system 1 according to the invention will bedescribed through exemplary embodiments as shown in the Figures. Thelanguage learning system 1 employs software and hardware to review andconvert between a native language and a secondary translation of thenative language through a framework of pictorial images ofnon-linguistic contextual cues that work with the linguistic elements toenhance the user's understanding of lexical material as related to thenative language and the translation into the secondary language.

Referring first to FIG. 1 , hardware infrastructure for an embodiment ofthe language learning system 1 will be described. In an exemplaryembodiment, the language learning system 1 is built on a network router2 (for instance, a wireless router) and connected to a database server4, while also utilizing known hardware components, including a webserver 6, a firewall 8, a network 9, and the computing device 10.

The language learning system 1 allows a user to access to a plurality oflanguage learning files 20 that includes multilingual data 24, such asinformation and images, through the computing device 10 and a networktraffic information on the database server 4 (i.e. SQLServer orWindowsServer2012 or newer) that connects to a web server 6. The webserver 6 functions as a way for network router 2 to communicate to thedatabase server 4 through an application-programming interface (API)between the computing device 10 and the database server 4. A firewall 8is integrated for security purposes such as, but is not limited to,blocking unauthorized access to the web server 6 and permittingunauthorized communication thereto. The language learning system 1 isdesigned to run through the computing device 10 through the languagelearning files 20 that are downloaded over personal area networks(PANs), local area networks (LANs), campus area networks (CANs), widearea networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs) and any newnetworking system developed in the future. These networks arerepresented with the network 9. One skilled in the art should appreciatethat the language learning system 1 can be maintained solely through thecomputing device 10, as the language learning files 20 can be pre-loadedto the computing device 10. In the shown embodiment, the user connectsto the network router 2 using the computing device 10 through thenetwork 9.

With reference to FIG. 2 , the computing device 10 will be described.The computing device 10 generally includes a general user interface 12,a memory device 15, and a processor 16. In the shown embodiment, thecomputing device 10 is a tablet computer with a touchscreen display 11.The computing device 10 includes sensors, including an audio outputdevice 17 and an audio input device 18. The audio output device 17 maybe a speaker or an audio jack, while the audio input device 18 may be aninternal microphone. The touchscreen display 11 uses finger or stylusgestures to navigate the general user interface 12. However, one skilledin the art should appreciate that other implements could be used;including a computer mouse, a keyboard, or joystick. In fact, oneskilled in the art should appreciate that the computing device 10 is aphysical computer and could be, but not limited to, a desktop computer,a laptop computer, or a cell phone. The memory device 15 is a storagedevice having computer components and recording media used to retaindigital data. The processor 16 is a central processing unit (CPU) thatmanipulates data stored in the memory device 15 by performingcomputations.

With reference to FIG. 3 , the language learning file 20 will bedescribed by way of illustration of the general user interface 12 forthe computing device 10.

The language learning file 20 includes a sequence of instructions, whichis written to perform a specified tasks to display, and generallyincludes a language display module 30 and a language learning module 40.The language learning file 20 further includes multilingual data 24,including graphical constant elements 25, dynamic lexical elements 26,and auditory elements 27. In particular, the language display module 30displays graphical constant elements 25 and dynamic lexical elements 26through the general user interface 12, while the language learningmodule 40 switches a display of the dynamic lexical elements 26 betweennative language data and secondary language data that is a translationof the native language data. The language learning module 40 alsoperforms auditory function by broadcasting auditory elements 27corresponding to the native language data and secondary language data.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the multilingual data 24, including native languagedata and secondary language data, is stored in relational databases.These relational databases include data elements listed in relatedtables that match up to links that are identified as zones 19 in FIG. 3. These zones 19 correspond to coordinates along the general userinterface 12. As shown in FIG. 3 , an example of how the multilingualdata 24 associated with each zone 19 could be stored in a database,using the index key to identify which zone's data is utilized by thelanguage learning module 40, and the various other elements associatedwith the index key can be called up to either fill the text zone withtext in the desired language, or cause the device to play an audiorecording of the text being spoken as will be described later.

Now with reference to FIGS. 17-26 , a gesture selection module 80 forthe language learning system 1 will be described. For the sake ofbrevity, only those features that differ from the language learningsystem 1 discussed above will be described, while like components willbe omitted from discussion.

In general, the gesture selection module 80 provides a system and methodfor user to select one or more distinct objects, such as the dynamiclexical elements 26, displayed in the zones 19 by means of a circulargesture. The gesture selection module 80 selects the one or moredistinct objects, for instance, and stores that content in a userpersonal file or account for subsequent review. In the shown embodiment,the user selects one or more dynamic lexical elements 26 from thegeneral user interface 12 of the computing device 10, and the gestureselection module 80 stores information concerning the dynamic lexicalelements 26 in a user personal account using the account module 56 ofthe learning language management application 50. However, one skilled inthe art should appreciate that the gesture selection module 80,discussed in more detail below, could be used with other systemsrequiring a user to select and store information displayed on a generaluser interface 12.

With reference to FIG. 17 , the gesture selection module 80 uses thecomputing device 10 with a touch screen 13 that provides an overlay ontop of the touchscreen computing devices' operating systems' standardinput and output processing techniques. The overlay on top of the inputand output system identify specific areas on the screen as selectableelements, i.e. dynamic lexical elements 26, and is designed to detectand process a gesture which is recognized as an arc that would containthe elements the user desires to select.

As further shown in FIG. 18 , the user initiates the gesture selectionmodule 80 by touching the general user interface 12. The gestureinitiation location 82 of the initial touch is stored in memory device15 and corresponds to a specific coordinate of a coordinate system ofthe general user interface 12.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the user continues pressing the general userinterface 12 in one continuous motion immediately following gestureinitiation, by lifting the finger of the computing device 10 (e.g. touchup action), the gesture initiation location 82 is generated and storedby the gesture selection module 80. The user performs a gesture througha continuous arc 84 of constant or variable radius in the embodimentshown. However, once skilled in the art should appreciate that thegesture selection module 80 could require other geometrical paths, suchas squares, rectangle, triangles, etc.

Before registering a conclusion action, by lifting the finger of thecomputing device 10 (e.g. touch up action), the coordinates of thecontinuous arc 84 are stored. If the arc path of the continuous arc 84reaches an area within a predefined radius of the gesture initiationlocation 82 or the gesture selection module 80 recognizes when theuser's fingers crosses the gesture path already generated the continuousarc 84 is considered completed (see FIG. 20 ).

It is not imperative for the gesture path of the continuous arc 84create a closed geometric symbol (e.g. oval, circle, square, rectangle,etc.). In the case where the user lifts off of the computing device 10(i.e. “touch up” action) before the gesture path of the continuous arc84 is completed or crossed, the result is an open arc 86 (see FIG. 21 ).It is possible to evaluate the resulting arc of the open arc 86, thegesture selection module 80 uses an algorithm to determine if the usersufficiently provided an arc path that resembles the closed path of thecontinuous arc 84 required for the steps discussed in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 22 , the gesture selection module 80 can evaluate thearc path of the continuous arc 84 by determining an angle (a) betweenthe gesture initiation location 82 and a gesture end location 83 of thearc path of the continuous arc 84 and an apex 85 at the (approximate)center of an inner arc area 87. For instance, if this angle (a) issmaller than a pre-determined value (i.e. 15 degrees), the gestureselection module 80 will conclude the open arc 86 is completed.

Once the gesture selection module 80 concludes the arc path has beencompleted, as determined above, the gesture selection module 80determines a selection area 88 enclosed by the gesture path andcompleted continuous arc 84. In the shown embodiment of FIG. 23 , aclosed oval is illustrated, and the selection area 88 area is defined asthe internal area enclosed by the continuous arc 84. In the case of anopen arc 86 that meets the predefined criteria for a completed gesture,the selection area 88 is defined as the internal area enclosed by thefigure defined by the continuous arc 84 and a connection line 89connecting the gesture initiation location 82 and a gesture end location83. The gesture selection module 80 interpolates a path that will closethe open arc 86 and define an enclosed subset of the selection area 88.

As shown in FIG. 24 , the gesture selection module 80 then determinesany objects of interest, including one or more dynamic lexical elements26, within the selection area 88.

Once the selection area 88 is determined, the gesture selection module80 uses an element capture algorithm that can be used for determiningthe eligibility of each object of interest for inclusion into a selectedsubset (based on selection area, stored as coordinates, etc.).

For instance, the gesture selection module 80 can use a centercoordinates method to determine the eligibility of each object ofinterest. Using the center coordinates method, the gesture selectionmodule 80 evaluates metadata for each object of interest, i.e. one ormore dynamic lexical elements 26, to determine whether the center of theobject is within the enclosed area. If the center of the object, such asa center of the zone 19, is found to be within the selection area 88,the object is included in the subset stored in the memory device 15.

As shown in FIG. 24 , the selection area 88 is defined by a completedcontinuous arc 84. Objects B and C are fully overlapped by the selectionarea 88, as a result they are included in the selection subset stored inthe memory device 15. Since, object A is partially overlapped by theselection area with its center being inside the selection area 88, thegesture selection module 80 includes object lin the selection subsetstored in the memory. Objects D and E are partially overlapped by theselection area with their centers outside the selection area 88, and asa result they are not included in the selection subset stored in thememory. Since all other objects are outside of the selection area 88,the gesture selection module 80 does not include them in the selectionsubset.

FIG. 25 illustrates the general steps performed by the gesture selectionmodule 80. In step 100, the gesture selection module 80 waits for theuser to provide gesture initiation location 82. Once the user pushesdown in the general user interface 12, the gesture initiation location82 detects a “touch down” at step 102, as defined above. At step 104,the gesture selection module 80 determines is a continuous arc 84 hasbeen started. If not, at step 106, the gesture selection module 80allows the computing device operating system to take over and processmovement on the touchscreen 13. At step 108, if a continuous arc 84 isdetermined, the gesture selection module 80 determines if the continuousarc 84 has been completed by connecting the gesture initiation location82 and a gesture end location 83. If the user does not complete thecontinuous arc 84, the gesture selection module 80 applies a method tointerpolate presumed intended boundaries of continuous arc 84, ascompleted. If not, the computing device operating system to take overand process movement on the touchscreen 13 by step 106. However, if thegesture selection module 80 does determine a selection are, objects ofinterest, such as dynamic lexical elements 26, encompassed in theselection area are selected and stored memory device 15, which can thenbe transferred to a user personal file or account.

The language learning system 1 according to the invention makes use ofthe multimedia capabilities of computers and mobile devices, andleverages the communicative capability of a publication, such as agraphic novel/comic book format to provide a variety of contextualelements (e.g. locale, character, storyline), while the computationalpower of the device allows instructional elements to be stored andpresented in multiple languages, both in textual format and in recordedaudio. The language learning system 1 will absorb the content of thepictorial context, and then can utilize the touchscreen interface toinitiate the translations, cause the lexical elements to change from onelanguage to another, i.e. a native language to a secondary language, aswell as initiate the playing of the pre-recorded proper pronunciation oflexical elements. The language learning system 1 allows the user torecord his/her own pronunciation of the words and compare it to thepre-recorded proper pronunciation via auditory elements. The embeddedtranslations are not automatically generated in real-time, but insteadhave been written (in the case of textual translations) and recorded (inthe case of audio translations) previously by a professional staff andstored in a language learning file. Consequently, the translations oflexical elements reflect proper grammar and pronunciation.

The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing theinvention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope andspirit of the invention. Therefore, more or less of the aforementionedcomponents can be used to conform to that particular purpose. It is,therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of the inventionis given by the appended claims together with their full range ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A language learning system, comprising: multilingual content in both text and audio versions; a computing device comprising: (a) a frame extending around a rectangular periphery of the computing device, (b) a touch screen display positioned in the frame for use with a finger or a stylus wherein a user physically pushes down on the touch screen display, (c) an audio input device, the audio input device is a microphone positioned along an edge of the frame to receive an audio input signal, (d) an audio output device, the audio output device is mounted along a periphery of the frame at a distance from the audio input device, (e) a general user interface, permitting a user to choose a specific subset of the multilingual content; (f) a central processing unit for receiving the audio input signal and for transmitting an output signal through the audio output device to translate native language of the specific subset to a selected language translation correlating the multilingual content with a translation of the text and audio version; and (g) a memory storing a language learning file unit containing multilingual data having: (1) graphical constant elements, (2) dynamic lexical elements corresponding to the graphical constant elements, the dynamic lexical elements having: a. native language data, and b. secondary language data corresponding to and translating from the native language data; (h) a language display module, executed by the central processing unit, simultaneously displaying a plurality of sequential images of the graphical constant elements oriented in a plurality of different angular positions relative to the frame and native language elements with the native language data corresponding to the graphical constant element positioned adjacent thereto, through the general user interface, in juxtaposed positions in a plurality of differently sized separate zones and, the plurality of sequential images positioned to form a storyline tiled over a plurality of differently sized image panels, and (l) a language learning module, executed by the central processing unit, replacing a display of the native language element with a secondary language element of the secondary language data, whereas the language learning module allows the user to select a native language element within a selected zone and receive a translation of that selected native language element through a display of a secondary language element and auditory elements.
 2. The language learning system according to claim 1, wherein the language learning file unit includes a sequence of instructions using a language display module and a language learning module.
 3. The language learning system according to claim 2, wherein the language learning module performs auditory function by broadcasting auditory elements corresponding to the native language data and secondary language data.
 4. The language learning system according to claim 1, wherein the auditory element include both native auditory elements corresponding to the native language elements and secondary auditory elements that translate from a selected native language element.
 5. The language learning system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of zones having a plurality of native language elements, each zone of the plurality of zones are sequential juxtaposed image panel that include scenes showing graphical constant elements.
 6. The language learning system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of native language elements correspond to the graphical constant elements to which they are matched in the sequential juxtaposed image panel. 